5 Causes of a Car Ignition Key That Won’t Turn (or is Stuck)
When you insert your car key into your car’s ignition, it actually goes into something called the ignition lock cylinder. This component is located inside an electrical component called the ignition switch.
In modern vehicles, the ignition switch is responsible for locking the ignition and reading a custom anti-theft code transmitted by the key. Once this code is verified, the ignition will allow the engine to start.
Every time you insert your key into the ignition, you naturally assume that it will turn smoothly and that the engine will start within a second or two. However, in rare cases, you may experience problems turning your ignition key.
Sometimes, the key may get stuck in the ignition and become stuck. When this happens, you won’t be able to start your car until you remove the key.
5 Reasons Your Ignition Key Won’t Turn
Before you can understand how to remove your key from the ignition and prevent it from getting stuck again, you need to understand what’s causing the problem. Below are the 5 most common reasons why your car’s ignition key won’t turn or is stuck.
1) Bent or Worn Keys
This is probably the most common reason for a stuck or stuck key. After a few years of use, your car key can become bent or worn down. This is especially true if you turn the key aggressively or press it firmly into the ignition before turning it.
When a key becomes bent, it no longer aligns properly in the ignition lock cylinder. Therefore, it can no longer be turned.
2) Steering wheel is locked
The steering system has a locking mechanism that is activated when the key is removed from the ignition. You may also accidentally move the steering wheel when removing the key from the ignition. As a result, you may not be able to turn the key the next time you insert it into the ignition.
3) Stuck ignition cylinder
When you store your car keys in your pocket, they can get lint and other debris on them. Inserting your car key into an ignition cylinder with these elements can cause the cylinder to become clogged with dirt. If too much foreign material accumulates in the keyhole, it can cause problems when turning or unlocking the key.
4) Gear is not adjusted correctly
Before you turn the key in the ignition, the gear must be in neutral or park. If the gear is set to any other value, that will explain why you can’t turn the key. However, if the gear appears to be in park or neutral, give the lever a little shake and try again.
5) Bad battery
Newer cars have advanced electronic ignition systems. They rely on battery power to function. If the battery is defective, you may experience problems when turning the key. Test the battery’s performance to see if this is the cause.
How to fix the problem
If the problem is with the key itself, you will need to replace it with a new one. Your first instinct might be to call a locksmith, but they are not always equipped to replace car keys because car keys contain special codes and electronics. Instead, you’ll need to go to the car dealer that provided you with the car and keys, where they can create a new key programmed with the correct code.